Abuja – Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, has described Nigeria’s Civil War as the most challenging period of his life, emphasizing that his actions during the conflict were driven by the necessity to preserve national unity, not by hatred.
Gowon made the remarks in Abuja on Saturday after receiving a Lifetime Integrity and Achievement Award at the 5th Convention of the Christian Men’s Fellowship, Anglican Diocese of Abuja.
“I always remember the Civil War. It was the most difficult period of my life. It was not my choice, but I had to do what I did to keep this country together,” he said. “It was never out of hatred toward any group.”
Reflecting on his post-war life, Gowon noted that prayer and a commitment to integrity and compassion have guided his decisions. “Everything I do is through prayer. I ask God to help me act rightly, with love and respect for everyone,” he added, invoking the well-known phrase: “no victor, no vanquished.”
Gowon also praised Nigeria’s progress since the war and called on citizens to promote peace, reconciliation, and mutual respect across religious and ethnic divides.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, represented by John-Kennedy Opara, congratulated the award recipients for their consistent lives of integrity. “These men have touched lives and have been used by God to impact the nation,” Opara said, quoting Psalm 25:14 to emphasize the value of righteous living.
Also speaking at the event, the Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba, urged Christians to uphold truth, integrity, and courage, both in their personal lives and in the wider society.
